There’s a cool thing going on between rock and electronic dance. Producers, especially those with bass backgrounds, are tapping into the attitudes and rhythms of their metal-tinged roots.
Grabbitz has always had an edge to his work. The producer, singer and songwriter taps into a lot of styles and feelings when he writes. Nghtmre, too, has never been afraid to push his own envelope, and today, the pair come together on “Bruises,” a distortion-fueled sing-along that’s equally good for headbanging or body swaying on the dance floor.
“The lyrics come from a very real place,” Grabbitz tells Billboard Dance. “When I express myself through music, I like to dramatize. It’s more cathartic for me than just saying point blank how I feel. I thought it would be pretty dramatic to fall to your knees every time you think of someone. I think everyone’s had that ‘bruise’ at one point.”
The song is both sweet and anguished. Grabbitz gives it his alternative best, singing through the tight throat of a lover in pain. Nghtmre matches his mood with an abbrassive melody.
“As soon as I heard this vocal, I fell in love with the song,” Nghtmre says. “Grabbitz is such a talented guy. We had a lot of fun in the studio together and I think the track reflects it.”
“Bruises” is out via Ultra Music on Friday, but you can listen to the song in full a day ahead of schedule, exclusively on Billboard Dance.